Running head: GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
Group 4 Discussion Board Forum 6
Arlene Dees, Michael Leister, Linda Harlow, Mark Peterson, & Wendy Simmons
Liberty University
11/09/2014
GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
Introduction
Organizational behavior is a very important area for all leaders to study, while keeping
the pulse of the organization under control or within the limits of what is expected within the
specific field. Understanding how to effectively motivate employees is vital to successful
leadership. Behavior based models for employee motivation can be adapted to a variety of
leadership as well as followership styles. A successful leader will also be able to effectively
manage conflict and utilize functional conflict to enhance the organization. The concept of team
development is also important for organizations that utilize a team structure to accomplish their
goals. This paper is a team/group effort at looking into each of the topics, while giving some
information on implementing the concepts within organizations, and biblical strategies.
Group Consensus
Group 4 determined that motivation, conflict management, and teams were the three most
important concepts for discussion board forum 6. The group agrees that there are many aspects
of all three topics that are important and should be further developed within all leaders to ensure
success.
Motivation
Proper motivation within an organization can help that organization overcome many
difficulties; likewise, lack of motivation at all levels can lead to failure. One of the most
important factors for success in the military is motivation. History shows that motivation can
lead to victory even when some armies have been out matched, under equipped, and out manned.
Satterlee (2013) covers motivational theories in detail and defines motivation as an inner force
that drives people to accomplish goals. Research has identified many effective methods of
motivation. Behavioral based and job-based motivation methods are two significant methods of
GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
motivating employees. Behavioral based methods of motivation focus on the desired employee
behavior and the motivating factor required to ensure this behavior occurs. These models teach
leaders to respond to desired employee behaviors with either positive or negative reinforcements,
which encourage the desired behaviors to continue. Leaders should remember to give praise
when and where praise is deserved. Job based motivation is structuring the parameters of the job
in such a way that the employee is given the experience of job rotation, job enlargement and job
enrichment. “Despite the differences, the task of managerial leader is to get things done through
people by motivating them. This can be achieved effectively by using human relations,
techniques involving understanding of human factors, communication processes, interpersonal
and intergroup behavior and organizational dynamics” (Limbare, 2012, p.172).
Conflict Management
Managing conflict can be a challenge, and training leaders at all levels to be more
efficient at this will pay dividends. Popovik and Hocenski (2009) provide an in depth look into
conflict management and breaking down the path that conflict typically follows. This conflict
path should be studied by leaders and understood, because with understanding of the process in
which conflict occurs, they will be able to step in before the blame game begins and the conflict
explodes. Satterlee (2013) states that managers have five general methods of managing conflict,
avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise or collaboration. These methods can all be
effective ways to handle conflict, but there are disagreements as to which method is best to use.
Conflict is often looked at as negative within an organization, however, constructive conflict
“may lead to more creative solutions” as well as increased “trust and respect between members
of group settings” (Walden, Javdani, & Allen, 2014, p. 856).
Teams
GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
Many organizations employ teams in order to blend together different levels of
experience, knowledge, and viewpoints. Effective teams will utilize the strengths of the
individual team members. Banutu-Gomez & Rohrer, (2011) discusses the fact that teams can
assign all members roles that are important to the individuals and beneficial to the group as a
whole, while maintaining the self-sustainability of the organizational performance. When
initiating new teams, organizations should be intentional about following the team’s progression
through the natural phases of team development, forming, storming, norming, and performing, to
assist the team’s development into a functional unit (Satterlee, 2013).
Biblical Integration
The bible helps to deliver inspiration to all leaders when dealing with the concepts of
motivation, conflict, and teams. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) teaches on motivation, “And let us
consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is
the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing
near.” This encourages all to motivate those around them. "Let every person be quick to hear,
slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God"
James 1:19-20 (ESV). Using this as a guide, will help leaders to manage conflict within there
organization. The bible talks about teams in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV), “Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow, but woe
to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” God encourages us to use
the gifts given to us to enhance each other and lift each other up, for there is strength in numbers.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace”
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV). Strategies for Implementation
Simply knowing about each of the concepts does nothing to change the organization, and
this makes implementation very important. When considering motivation, organizations can
GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
provide latitude for their leaders/managers to be able to offer a reward program or small
incentives including things like allowing employees to take off half an hour early on a Friday or
provide an impromptu pizza lunch. Another way to motivate is to give praise and empower
employees by being aware of individuals that are capable of performing at a higher level and
having them cross train into that position.
Developing training at all levels covering conflict management, including managing
constructive conflict can help with solving many problems before they occur. Leaders should
practice "managed conflict" where organized debate type activities can be used to brainstorm or
group problem solve. As a manager, it is essential to remain equitable and fair, and when dealing
with conflict the leader must be able to place themselves in both viewpoints in order to obtain
this non-partiality.
The use of teams can be an effective way to accomplish a task for an organization.
Implementing teams is not always easy but utilizing team-building exercises to encourage a more
cohesive team can help. The establishment of rules for the team to follow, while holding all
group members accountable for their portion of the work, will help level out the workload of the
team. The manager must be aware of the dynamics of the team and be able to focus them on the
task, rather than any conflict that may arise. If working in an organization that has not utilized
teams, it would be best for the leader to start slow and methodical, and build from there.
Conclusion
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, New
International Version (NIV)). These are wise words not only for all believers, but also for all
leaders. Motivating others is a key responsibility for leadership; therefore, understanding
appropriate motivational methods is vital. Scripture also teaches that humankind should seek to
be reconciled with one another. In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus teaches that even before providing an
GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
offering to God, people should resolve the conflict between them. In every organization, conflict
management is essential for greatest effectiveness. Finally, there is greater strength when people
work together. Team development is being used across a myriad of organizations to improve
employee morale as well as productivity. Managing teams, keeping them motivated, and
resolving conflict are all major duties of a leader. These concepts make the day-to-day operations
of a company smooth, efficient, and progressive.
GROUP 4 DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 6
References – 7 references are required: 4 journal articles, 2 from assigned readings, 1 scripture.
We need 1 more journal article and 1 more assigned reading reference.
Limbare, S. (2012). Leadership styles & conflict management styles of executives. Indian
Journal of Industrial Relations, 48(1), 172+. Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/i.do?id=GALE
%7CA323974149&v=2.1&u=vic_liberty&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=eae50e496b1f4
e0b1379986594051a16.
Popovic, K. & Hocenski, Z. (2009). Conflict management. Proceedings of the 2009 ICSE
Workshop on Leadership and Management in Software Architecture. p. 15-19. Retrieved
from http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/LMSA.2009.5074859.
Satterlee, A (2013). Introduction to Organizational Management and Leadership: A Christian
Perspective (2nd ed.) Raleigh, N.C: Synergistics International Inc.
Walden, A., Javdani, S., & Allen, N., (2014). Engaging conflict: Supporting power-sharing
through constructive conflict resolution, Journal of community psychology, 42(7), 854-
868. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcop.21657/pdf.
